Airbus ordered to expand A380 safety checks

8 February 2012

Following weeks of concern over potential cracks in the wings of Airbus A380 aircraft, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has ordered the European manufacturer to check all planes presently in service.

A total of 67 of the superjumbos are currently in operation around the world, with five carriers.

Last month, EASA ordered checks of 20 A380 jets worldwide.

An EASA spokesman said: “In view of the outcome of those checks, it was decided to expand them to the entire fleet currently in operation.”

Airbus responded by arguing any cracks were not an immediate danger to passengers and stated repairs would be carried out where necessary.

Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Air France, Lufthansa and Qantas all operated the jet.